Minnesota Jail, Prison, or Detention Center Inmates and Advanced Healthcare Directives
- Jail Notary Services
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 9
When families organize mobile notary visits to Minnesota correctional facilities, the focus is usually on time-sensitive documents like Power of Attorney, inmate release forms, or divorce paperwork. However, one key legal document often gets overlooked—the Advance Healthcare Directive (AHD).
Whether your loved one is incarcerated in a county jail, state prison, or federal detention center in Minnesota, making sure their medical wishes are documented is crucial—especially for long-term stays or those with health concerns.
What Is a Minnesota Advance Healthcare Directive?
A Minnesota Advance Healthcare Directive allows inmates to:
Designate a healthcare agent who can make medical decisions if the inmate becomes unable to do so.
Express treatment preferences for end-of-life care, surgeries, or medical emergencies.
Prevent unnecessary delays in treatment by providing correctional facilities and medical staff with legal direction.
Without this document, family members may face restrictions when urgent medical decisions need to be made—especially from behind bars.
Free Advance Healthcare Directive Forms for Minnesota
The good news? Minnesota offers free Advance Healthcare Directive forms to all residents.
We recommend including the AHD with any mobile notary visit, especially when notarizing Power of Attorney or guardianship forms.
Before You Send a Notary to a Minnesota Jail or Prison, Read This
To avoid delays or cancellations, follow these critical steps before scheduling mobile notary services for an inmate in Minnesota:
Inform the Inmate First - Make sure the inmate is aware of the scheduled notary visit. Confirm this directly through a call, message, or email to avoid confusion or denial of access.
Confirm the Inmate Is Ready to Sign - It’s important that the inmate understands what document will be presented and that they are mentally prepared to sign it.
Call the Facility to Check Access - Not all jails or prisons allow outside notaries. Call ahead to verify current entry rules for contractors.
Clarify Witness Needs - Some forms require witnesses. Ask the facility if guards may serve as witnesses. If not, you’ll need to check whether a second notary or civilian witness is allowed to enter.
Ask if There’s an Approved Notary List - Some correctional facilities in Minnesota only allow notaries who are pre-approved or contracted. Be sure your chosen notary qualifies before setting the appointment.
Search for a Jail Notary in Minnesota
Need a notary for a Minnesota correctional facility? Use our Notary Locator Tool to search by city, county, or facility.
If you don’t see your location listed, request a free quote and we’ll connect you with a mobile notary who can help—often with same-day availability.
Protect Your Loved One's Medical Rights
No one wants to think about medical emergencies while a loved one is incarcerated. But preparation can mean the difference between fast, informed care—or uncertainty and delays.
At Jail Notary Services, we make it easier for families to get the documents they need signed, including Advance Healthcare Directives—quickly and professionally.
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